CWNO Historical Archive: Sept. 11, 1990

Military Citizenship Bill Passes, Opens Path To Citizenship for Millions…For a Price

The President arrived at the White House after several days at Camp Jeffrey and is expected to sign the MCB into office on Monday.

September 11, 1990; Washington D.C.- After what proved to be a close contest last week in the House, today the Senate approved the Military Citizenship Bill. The Bill, which it is presumed the President will sign into law given his outspoken support of it throughout his election campaign, will allow immigrants in the United States illegally to gain citizenship by committing to four years of military service. The original bill sent before the House granted citizenship as soon as the commitment was made, but that version failed to get the support required to move the bill to the Senate for review. The bill that was approved by the Senate today will grant citizenship only after two years of service have been completed.

The other major change revolved around the immediate family members of those choosing to enroll under the MCB. The bill underwent several revisions on this point, and the current bill will grant citizenship to all immediate family members of enrollees after three years of service have been completed. However, all those family members will receive an “Immunity Blue Card” during that three year period that will provide them immunity from deportation.

When asked what impact he believes the bill will have on military enrollment, General Norman Abramson replied, “The goal of this bill is not to boost military enrollment, but rather to provide a path to citizenship for the many people that come to our great country in search of a better life. This is their way to prove their love for, and loyalty to, the IUnited States, and in turn both they and their family members will have the honor of becoming a part of the world’s greatest nation.”

Members of the Senate celebrate as the results of the Military Citizenship Bill vote are announced. The Bill passed with 78% in favor.

Skeptics of the bill have claimed it is a manipulative tactic that forces some of the country’s most vulnerable inhabitants into a choice between immediate deportation and potential death. Says United States Civil Liberty Council President Charles Johnson, “This is a travesty. In many cases, these are people who risked their lives to flee places where their lives were in danger. They came here in search of safety and freedom, only to be forced into a modern day version of indentured servitude, paid far less than those they serve beside, and sent to put their lives on the line for a country that only offers them solace in exchange for their lives.”

While the bill has been fraught with controversy, insiders say the President is expected to sign it into law as soon as Monday morning.